Faster Internet Improves Showground Services

Investment in online infrastructure has improved Anglesey Agricultural Showground’s attractiveness as a venue and made life easier for staff, according to bosses. It is now more than a year since the showground, which hosts the hugely popular Anglesey Show as well as several other major events, joined the digital revolution by connecting to FibreSpeed via service partner Xwavia’s (now ITS Technology Group) wireless access network. The FibreSpeed network, which runs across North Wales from Holyhead to Deeside, uses fibre optic technology that carries vast amounts of data at close to the speed of light. It was launched three years ago with the aim of boosting the North Wales economy through the provision of a world-class digital communications network.

The 160-acre showground hooked up to the network in July 2011, when service provider Xwavia created a state-of-the-art wireless connection linking the venue to FibreSpeed. This enabled the showground to wave goodbye to intermittent internet access and poor download speeds – bringing significant benefits for visitors and showground staff alike. The 51,000 visitors who attended this year’s Anglesey Show, for example, enjoyed high-internet access via Wi-Fi hotspots that were established across the showground, including within the main pavilions. More than 1,000 show visitors were online at any one time during the show.

Services Have to Support Thousands of People

Show sponsor Xwavia (now ITS Technology Group) also established hotspots for stallholders who required online connectivity throughout the two-day event. Showground secretary Aled Hughes said: “We are developing the showground as a leading venue for a wide range of events, and offering first-class internet access is an important part of this strategy. “Visitors expect to be able to check their emails, social media accounts and news feeds while at an event, and venues need to respond to these demands. “We now enjoy uninterrupted access, with excellent download speeds. From a business perspective, this has made life a lot easier for staff when they want to do online banking, check emails, search the internet, stream video and download large files. ”Facilities on offer at Anglesey Agricultural Showground include parking for 3,000 vehicles, a fully-equipped food hall with demonstration kitchen, and a new pavilion complex that accommodates up to 3,000 people. The site has hosted the National Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Young Farmers of Wales Eisteddfod, plus show jumping contests, music concerts, air shows, conferences, trade exhibitions and marathons.

Delegates Now Have Access to a WiFi Hotspot

FibreSpeed sales manager David Ferguson said: “Tens of thousands of people from across North Wales and beyond visit the showground every year, and it’s pleasing to know that the FibreSpeed network is enhancing their experience.” Xwavia (now ITS Technology Group) added: “The showground management has shown itself to be extremely forward thinking by investing in the site’s online infrastructure. We are proud to have played a key role.”